Senior Project Manager

About JLS®: We supply easy-to-use hygienic robotic packaging solutions for the food industry that solve complex packaging challenges.  JLS custom vision-guided primary and secondary robotic packaging systems are user-friendly, easy to operate, fast to start-up, and ensure both worker and food safety.  We have an exceptional customer-focused and employee-centered culture.  JLS® offers a robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, along with an on-site fitness gym, monthly team luncheons, recreation activities, and 401(k) profit sharing options.

Position Summary: The Sr. Project Manager oversees assigned projects from start (purchase order & initiation) to finish (site acceptance & closeout) for delivery of primary and secondary food packaging solutions. This role will manage the planning, execution, and completion of complex automation projects, and requires strong leadership, excellent communication skills, and a deep understanding of automation technologies/equipment.

Job Duties & Responsibilities:

• Responsible for complete project execution
• Leads the definition of project parameters
• Reviews contract requirements and ensures adherence from both internal resources and third party contractors
• Creates and maintains a project schedule aligned with standard business practices and manages the tasks through completion
• Ensures the full scope of the project is delivered to include the physical system as well as approval drawings, manuals, and other required supporting documentation
• Establishes a realistic project budget, tracks progress towards the plan, and actively maintains target business margins
• Identifies risks, assumptions, dependencies, issues, and opportunities (RADIOs) on the project to proactively mitigate, capture, or resolve problems ensuring project success
• Sources quotations for third party equipment, coordinates review of specifications, releases vendor orders, collaborates with procurement team, and maintains communications with supplier project managers to ensure receipt of equipment in line with scope, schedule, and budget requirements
• Leads internal and customer facing Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) activities
• Prepares project documentation (scope, schedule, budget, charter, risks) and briefings to effectively communicate with project stakeholders internally and externally
• Ensure deliverables (equipment and other work products) meet all applicable sanitary, safety, and quality requirements
• Organizes and facilitates customer meetings and serves as primary liaison between all parties
• Facilitates identification and coordinates resolution to any problems that may arise on the project – whether related to the project or technical execution
• Travels to site and manages installation and commissioning of large integrated systems
• Strives for continuous improvement by providing feedback, developing, and improving operating procedures based on project experiences
• Attends trade shows, seminars, and reads trade publications to stay current with technology associated with JLS products, systems, and services
• Aids in training and mentoring new hires and Project Managers to build up overall team capabilities
• Other duties as assigned

Skills & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or other related field
• 5+ Years of industry related Project Management Experience
• Project Management Institute (PMI) based principles knowledge with an active Project Management Professional (PMP) certification strongly preferred
• Demonstrates strong ethical behaviors and judgement
• Proficient in MS Office, Microsoft Project (or equivalent), and ERP software
• Extensive knowledge of project management tools and methodologies
• Strong negotiation, organizational, and leadership skills
• Ability to build rapport and interact effectively with personnel at all levels within the company as well as customers, vendors, and business partners
• Ability to travel up to 25% to support business activities
• Must have a valid passport or be eligible to obtain one
• Must be able to lift, push, pull up to 25 lbs
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

Work Environment:

• Environment: Corporate office that requires regular use of desk, computer, keyboard, mouse, phone, and printers. May be subject to cold, wet, or hot manufacturing environments for periods of 8 hours or more.
• Travel Requirements: 25% overall, conducted in concentrated timeframes
• Physical: Lift, push, pull-up to 25 pounds; fine manual dexterity; ability to sit for short periods of time; frequent walking or standing.
• Work Schedule: Standard schedule is Monday–Friday during regular business hours; occasional evening, weekend, or extended hours may be required to support travel, project milestones, or time-sensitive needs.